Metta, also known as loving kindness, is an attitude of universal love that is radiated to all living beings in the world without discrimination. In Buddhist teachings it is said that there are four divine states of mind which are naturally and unceasingly experienced by those who are enlightened. They are metta (loving-kindness), compassion, joy and equanimity. Together they are called the Four Immeasurables or the Four Brahma-Viharas. By training in these states of mind through meditation we can tap into these divine states and create the causes for experiencing happiness now and in the future.

In this video, I look at cultivating the first of these divine thoughts: metta. In particular, I describe what metta is, what are the advantages in practicing it, what are some of the obstacles that might prevent us from cultivating genuine loving-kindness, and I highlight some practical tips that we can employ to ensure our formal metta meditation practice is a success.(more…)

This site is to help beginners easily understand the Buddhist teachings so they can quickly experience its great benefits. I’ve been practicing Buddhism for over 10 years. I was a Buddhist nun for three years and did a total of three years solitary meditation retreats. I’m even more enthusiastic about practicing Buddhism now than I was during the “honeymoon period” when I first started learning about it and practicing it.

To start learning about Buddhism and meditation, watch some of my videos here or read my blog posts here.